Dr Kara Stevens - graduate profile

Research scientist - Bristol University

"When I was trying to determine what to study at university I had no specific career path in mind. I enjoyed mathematics at school and determined that, out of all my A level subjects, maths would provide me with the widest choice of career options at the end of my degree.

I chose to study BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Statistics at Plymouth because of the vibrant atmosphere and the friendly department. I felt that the modules offered were exactly what I would be interested in, with a good balance between mathematics and statistics.

I had a fantastic time at Plymouth, courses were well taught and the lecturers were all friendly and approachable. I had little idea of what do to afterwards, but with the advice of my tutor I decided to go to the University of Southampton to do the MSc in Statistics with Applications in Medicine. After my MSc I took a job as a research assistant at Plymouth University Peninsula School of Medicine.

I then decided to do an MRes and PhD in locally stationary time series analysis at Bristol University with Professor Guy Nason. I am currently a Research Fellow at Bristol continuing my research on locally stationary time series."